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Guatemala Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin (Type A).

Language

The official language is Spanish, but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. In addition, there are many indigenous languages spoken in Guatemala as well.

Travel Health

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to
Guatemala and travellers are advised to take the latest medical
advice at least three weeks prior to departure. Malaria is
prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Dengue
fever is endemic and the Zika virus can be contracted, so strict
insect-bite protection measures must be taken. A yellow fever
certificate is required from travellers entering the country from
infected areas. Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are
recommended, as well as an MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella)
update.

Visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled
water, or boil all water before drinking if bottled water is
unavailable. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical
treatment unless the patient has medical insurance or can pay up
front. Good travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded
hospitals are best avoided and travellers should only use private
clinics where possible. All medication should be accompanied with a
signed and dated letter from a doctor explaining what the
medication is and why it is needed.

Tipping

Generally a 10 percent tip is recommended for good service in
Guatemala. It is customary to tip waiters if a service charge
hasn't been added to the bill and tipping extra for excellent
service is also customary. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services
and can be more favourable in their service when receiving generous
tips.

Safety Information

The rate of violent crime in Guatemala is exceptionally high.
There has also been a relatively high rate of violent attacks on
tourists, especially in remote places and in the capital, Guatemala
City, specifically after dark. Visitors need to be particularly
vigilant in the central Zone 1 of Guatemala City where most of the
cheap hotels and bus terminals are, and in all parts of the city at
night. Tourists arriving at Guatemala City airport and travelling
to hotels in the business districts have been targeted, so visitors
should be extremely alert when leaving the airport. Protest may
arise without warning and should be avoided if possible.

Pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in tourist areas and
market places. Many robberies take place on the cheaper buses when
travelling on the tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua,
and from Antigua to Panajachel, keep all belongings close at hand.
There have been reported incidents of attacks, including the sexual
assault of female passengers on buses during the day on main
routes. Hold-ups by armed gangs occur frequently on city and long
distance public buses. Visitors are advised to avoid them if
possible. Armed robberies on minor roads around Lake Atitlan have
taken place and visitors are advised to use the boat services
between towns on the lakeshore. There have also been armed attacks
on tourists at Tikal and on the approach road from Flores to
Tikal.

Guatemala's rainy season between April and November usually brings
about heavy rain and flooding, mudslides and hurricanes. These
mudslides have claimed the lives of many people in recent years and
it is best to excercise extreme caution when travelling to areas
known for heavy rains and mudslides. Guatemala has active
volcanoes, so it is important to always be aware of any volcanic
activity.

Local Customs

It is very common to greet most people, especially in the
countryside. Clothing need not be too conservative, however,
modesty is advised for female travellers in order to avoid unwanted
attention. Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly
of children, as local people are suspicious of foreigners
approaching children for pictures due to incidences of child
kidnapping, particularly in remote areas where tourists have been
attacked. A small tip might be required. Military clothing is
illegal, so avoid camouflage-patterned clothing. Public displays of
affection between same sex couples should be avoided, particularly
outside of Guatemala City.

Business

Business etiquette in Guatemala is similar to the rest of Latin
America. Due to the warm, humid climate men often wear lightweight
suits and women should wear a dress or a skirt with a blouse.
Always be punctual for meetings, as Guatemalan business people are
very punctual. Use professional titles such as such as 'Doctor',
'Professor', 'Ingeniero' (engineer) or 'Abogado' (lawyer),
otherwise address colleagues as Señor (Mr), Señora
(Mrs) and Señorita (Miss), followed by their last names.
Speaking softly is considered polite. Business cards may be
exchanged although there is no ritual around it. Business hours are
generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over
lunch and business lunches or breakfasts are preferred over
business dinners.

Communications

The international access code for Guatemala is +502. The
outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on, which
is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United
Kingdom). City codes are not required. There are generally
surcharges on calls made from hotels. Rates are generally less
expensive after 7pm. Wifi connections are available in the cities
and main tourist areas and many hotels, hostels and language
schools will offer reasonable internet rates.

Duty Free

Travellers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 500g
of tobacco in any form and five liters of liquor or spirits.

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